We begin this week's newsletter with an important update: The 2005 Knitter's Review Year in Yarn calendar has just arrived from the printer!

For several months I have been compiling 12 of my most compelling images and thoughtful sayings to grace our third-annual calendar.

In my totally biased opinion, this is the most beautiful one yet—and I'm extremely proud to present it to you this week.

On the Needles: Debbie Bliss Does AlpacaShe may have established an early reputation for her delicate and charming children's designs, but lately British designer Debbie Bliss has ventured into new, far more grown-up territory. The same is true of her yarns, including lush and creamy Alpaca Silk from Peru, which we review this week.

Fall Retreat UpdateThe third-annual Knitter's Review Retreat will take place November 5-7 in Syria, Virginia. I'm excited to announce that Barbara Gentry of Stony Mountain Fibers will be giving a needle felting demonstration on Saturday evening! Sign up for the Saturday portion of the retreat or place yourself on the waiting list for the full weekend here.

September DrawingFall is the time students hit the books. There's no reason we can't too! That's why at the end of this month one subscriber will win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. Simply stay subscribed and you could be picked.

As always, I thank you for your readership and your support. Happy knitting, and I'll see you in the forums.

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